Author Topic: Strange engine noise, please help (Read 8252 times)

tjts1 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 05, 2008, 03:33:22 PM »

Cheaper
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/catalog/shopcart/BE30/POR_BE30_ENGcam_pg3.htm

cheaper still
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?gkw=BMW+318IS+Timing+Chain+Tensioner+Piston&gad=CPvVo5gCEgiM5kBgtQXq4Rjtn_T8AyCXvNMT&makeid=800003@BMW&modelid=1011407@318IS&year=1994&cid=20@Engine%20Parts,%20Seals%20%26%20Gaskets&gid=5727@Timing%20Chain%20Tensioner%20Piston

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 05, 2008, 08:33:41 PM »

Thanks for the sites, I'll definitely check them out next time I need something, like fog lenses, or.....whatever fixes this current problem. And no, I haven't pulled the pan or removed the valve cover. I've heard the valve cover is a pain to remove? Also, it's not like I would know what on earth to look for. I just noticed it two nights ago, and I am in no technical hurry to define and fix the problem, as it just sits in my driveway, but I cannot stand the thought that there is something wrong with it. I fix the problems that come along as I have time to do so, but would like to know what they are as soon as possible so I can get the parts and get working on it whenever I have spare time.

If you think pulling the lower pan and removing the valve cover and inspecting the sprockets, etc., then I will do so, but keep in mind as of right now I don't have a clue how to do either of them, nor what to look for, except in the pan which shouldn't contain bolts or pieces of timing chain. All I know is:
Removing the Lower Pan:
- drain oil
- jack up the car
- look for bolts that hold the pan on
- remove and inspect
- tighten loose bolts
- put lower pan back
- bolt it on
- lower car

Removing the Valve Cover:
- remove plastic piece with "BMW" on it
- look for bolts holding valve cover on
- remove and inspect timing chain components (what's good, what's bad...pictures would be great)
- put valve cover back
- bolt on
- put plastic piece back on

Am I close? I have no idea where the bolts are/how many, though.

tjts1 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 05, 2008, 08:48:41 PM »

These should help
http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=594

http://bmw.e30tuner.com/my318is_pic_oilfailure.php

http://bmw.e30tuner.com/articles_vchc.php

Good luck

PaulC · « **Reply #18 on:** May 06, 2008, 12:16:39 AM »

Hey guys. If you're looking for parts you may want to try Northside Imports in Lincolnwood, IL - 800.247.2491 - They'll ship. I used to work there (delivered parts to the southside) so if you want say Paul sent you. Dial Danny x1232 or Greg x1242. The chain tensioner 11311743187 is $28. They also have locations in New Jersey and So Cal, but I don't have info on those.

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 06, 2008, 07:46:11 PM »

O.k. found the camera, which my sister said she didn't have BUT WAS A LIE as it was in her car. Anyways, heres the video of the cold start:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDwRWFa7gFY

And heres the video when the car was warmed up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTLgCFCHQRQ

elementskater_xx · « **Reply #20 on:** May 06, 2008, 09:27:07 PM »

Hey man i had that same problem about 3 weeks ago. My oil ws crazy low and that same noise came. It was my timming chain. It broke on my way to work, it mashed my valves up real bad and i am doing a complete rebuild of my engine. http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5533 There is a copy of where my car is now. I would def do what it takes to fix the problem before it gets real bad. Look around here and try to locate the threads with the info you need to fix it. Good Luck man. I am sure everyone here will be a big help to you as they were to me.

nicknikolovski · « **Reply #21 on:** May 07, 2008, 05:05:23 AM »

that does sound like a very noisy chain.

Also just out of interest - what is up with your engine fan - is it just me or does it seem like it's spinning pretty slowly. If it is spinning real slow, then maybe you have bad water pump bearings.

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 07, 2008, 03:33:18 PM »

It's the camera, I noticed that too as I recorded it, looking at the screen. The camera doesn't record fast enough on its current setting to pick up the fast rotation of the fan.

g0dspeed · « **Reply #23 on:** May 07, 2008, 11:09:00 PM »

i've experienced it b4.... changed the tensioner as well as other related parts...including the chain.....i was told that m44 tensioner is more reliable... but sorry bro... i dun have the part no.
....i was a bit frustrated when i found out that there was another noise after i changed the timing chain.....guess what??? it was my m40 gb!!!...changed the front section and the noise dissapear...

bmwpower · « **Reply #24 on:** May 07, 2008, 11:28:07 PM »

Quote from: g0dspeed;48896

i've experienced it b4.... changed the tensioner as well as other related parts...including the chain.....i was told that m44 tensioner is more reliable... but sorry bro... i dun have the part no.
....i was a bit frustrated when i found out that there was another noise after i changed the timing chain.....guess what??? it was my m40 gb!!!...changed the front section and the noise dissapear...

You can't get the M42 tensioner anymore...it was replaced with the M44 tensioner.

I personally would start taking things apart to get a better look at the chain and gears. If you're chain is worn enough no tensioner will fix the issue - you'll need a new chain and all the gears. PITA job for a newbie, but if you trash the head you will easily spend 3x as much on repairs.

e30Andym42 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 08, 2008, 08:31:43 PM »

O.k. what is a "gb", and what does PITA mean? My guess is something along the lines of complicated. But I sure do realize that the job would be very complex and such, but if the chain and components need to be replaced, what other choice do I have? I'm not going to pay a million dollars to have somebody else do it, besides the fact that I am running out of money.... Also, I have seen plenty of tutorials and links to the process and if I run into trouble, I feel confident there are plenty of knowledgeable people on this site, and I'm sure I could work my way through it. But of course, I wouldn't attempt it without my father by my side due to the job's complexity.

My parents are going out of town for a week, so I'm not going to attempt anything like this. If I become bored enough and there is a good tutorial out there on removing the valve cover, as I think somebody told me it was complicated? then I will check how it looks in there. It will take more boredom to get me to pull the oil pan and check what pieces are in there, hopefully nothing! If removing the valve cover requires or recommends draining the oil, then if I attempt that I will do the oil pan at the same time. If I don't have much free time, the next time I will be able to check out what's going on is probably Saturday May 17.

melloh · « **Reply #26 on:** May 09, 2008, 01:53:06 AM »

Yeah dude... I know NOTHING about timing chains and such on this car... but I do know that this car uses a fan clutch. The fan clutch should engage more as the temp increases (warmed up), so (asking the experts here), is it not possible that at least some of the noise is from from the clutch trying to engage the fan? It would be consistent with it being noisier when warm, right? Even if not, it's probably worth while to check the clutch engagement (roleld up newspaper thing)... if it don't shred, then you will have to check/replace the clutch anyway. Get that squared away and see where it stands, maybe?

PS:

gb = ?
PITA=pain in the arse

shutter · « **Reply #27 on:** May 09, 2008, 10:22:43 AM »

Taking off the valve cover is super easy man =) Removing the plug wires is the hardest part, just have some tape and a Sharpie on hand so you get the wires back on the right plugs.... You need one of these me thinks:

http://www.amazon.com/BMW-E30-Service-Manual-1984-1990/dp/0837603250/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210346133&sr=8-1

And more importantly for these specific m42 problems, download this!

http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #28 on:** May 09, 2008, 11:12:40 AM »

I personally would pull the oil pan NOW and see if there are any:

1) loose bolts (common issue for most)
2) any bits or pieces of timing chain guide rails, chain parts or metal fragments

The timing chain guide rails wear down over time and if the chain or components has never been serviced, I'm sure it's now time to service those items.

Like others have said above, it's better to open up the timing cover and check those components underneath rather than just "thinking about it" and then having to deal with a blown head (again common on these M42's if other related maintenance items are not dealt with). If let go and the chain breaks, you will be looking at a major expense depending on how severe the valves will crash into the pistons from a timing chain breakage...

Pulling the valve cover is simple - you can do that in about 30 mins (or less depending on tools, etc). Pull off the BMW cover plate, pull out the spark plug wires, pull the spark plugs and then remove outer valve cover bolts going around the outside edge of the valve cover.

Pulling the oil pan is simple as well - you could easily do this in about 20 mins (or less again depending on tools, if car is on ramps, etc).

The timing cover removal will require the removal of other surrounding parts on the front of the engine, so just look for threads regarding head removal or timing cover/chain removal and these will help you through.